Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” He is gentle and humble in heart and those who come to Him will find rest for their souls. (Matt. 11:28-30)

The writer of Hebrews 4:9, 10 tells us, “There remains then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; For anyone who enters God’s rest, rests also from his own work, just as God did from His.”

Jesus and His apostles warned us that false prophets and false teachers and false doctrine would become more and more prevalent as the day of the Lord approaches.

One of the false teachings described in scripture is that believers are “saved by works.”  Such a teaching leads its followers to ask themselves “Am I doing enough?” and as they end life’s journey, “Have I done enough?” Such doubt leads to fear, the fear of never knowing if we are forgiven, saved and loved by God.

How foolish!  How deceptive! 

How wrong to think that we are saved by works (Eph. 2:8-10; Titus 3:4-7; Rom. 11:5, 6; and the Bible book of Galations).  In Galatians 3:3 Paul writes, “Are you so foolish?  After beginning with the Spirit are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort (works)!  Salvation is a free gift given to believers in Jesus by God’s grace, mercy and love.

In 1 John 5:11-13 we read God’s testimony that “He who has the Son has life” and that “You who believe in the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life.”  Throughout God’s word we read many “assurance” scriptures.

One example of this is Jesus’ words in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, no one can snatch them out of my hand.”  Paul tells us that absolutely nothing “can separate us from the love of God” and the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35-39).

Jesus assures believers that He “will not leave us as orphans.”

He promises to send God, the Holy Spirit, to:

• guide us,
• teach us,
• comfort us,
• love us,
• wash us
• give us a new heart and make us a new creation
• mark us with a seal,
• adopt us and make us permanent heirs.

Surely this reality fills us with such joy and peace.  The truth is that we Christians are eternally encouraged and strengthened by our God (2 Thess. 2:16, 17).  Peter says that we receive “An inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power.”

What a joy to be “more than conquerors through Him who loves us.”

Christians have been given victory over sin through the blood of Jesus.  Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood;  The forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

Peter said this about Jesus, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.  For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

Jesus is preparing a place for His followers in heaven:

Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6), said these encouraging words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled, trust in God, trust also in Me.”  He continued with His divine promise, saying that He was returning to heaven and would be preparing a place for His followers (John 14:1-3).

He is “the Resurrection and the Life.”

Jesus continued by saying “He who believes in Me will live, even though He dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.  Do you believe this?”  Standing on such promises from our all loving Creator, Lord and God brings Christians joy and peace that “transcends all understanding.” (Phil. 4:4-7)

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

Paul penned these beautiful words at Colossians 3:15.  Our resurrected Lord Jesus appeared to His disciples in John 20:19-22 saying, “‘Peace be with you!’ He showed them His hands and His side and they were overjoyed when they saw their Lord.”

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!  As the Father has sent me, I send you.” With that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  Believers receive the Holy Spirit and also receive the fruit of the Spirit, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Gal. 5:22)

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ…

…you are forgiven, redeemed, justified and are being sanctified.  You have been given a new heart and are declared righteous and holy by a perfect Judge.  He says that you are the temple of the Living God and a new creation.  You are “in Christ” and “Christ in you.”  You are an adopted child of God and a permanent heir of His kingdom. (Eph. Chapter 1; 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; Rom. 8:9-16)

“May grace and peace be yours in abundance.” (1 Pet.1:2)

“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” (1 Pet. 5:14)

So, any who are weary and burdened, come to Jesus for He has promised, “I will give you rest.” (Exo. 33:14; Isa. 55:12; Matt. 11:28-30)